Nottingham Forest have had 14 players on international duty over the past fortnight and Premier League football returning is now just around the corner.
It’s never ideal when the top flight in England play three games and then pause for international football to take centre stage but here we are.
Forest had started the 2024/25 campaign unbeaten under Nuno Espirito Santo and will face Liverpool next up in a mouthwatering clash at Anfield.
Last night, more Forest players performed on the international stage and that always represents a proud moment for the players in question.
National media react as Andrew Omobamidele plays for the Republic of Ireland
Ireland have a new manager in the Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and it’s not been a happy start to his time in the hot seat.
After losing 2-0 to England on Saturday, the Irish were beaten 2-0 again – this time to Greece who had former Forest goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos in goal.
Omobamidele played as part of a back three and he received some comments from a number of national media outlets.
Balls gave him 5.5/10 and wrote: “Omobamidele pushed high up the pitch in the first half, helping to push Chiedozie Ogbene further upfield in tandem. His execution on the ball in the final third, however, was regularly lacking.
“The right-hand flank was generally where Greece targeted with Omobamidele somewhat out of position, though he tracked back well.”
The Irish News gave him a slightly better rating of 6/10 and claimed: “Brought pace and solidity to right back position despite a first-half yellow. The manager opted for the more attack-minded Doherty in the final 20 minutes.”
Finally, the Irish Independent gave him a 7/10 for his efforts, suggesting: “Came in for his 10th cap but picked up a cheap booking early on. Put in a few brave challenges though, most notably on 40 minutes. A good shift before being replaced by Matt Doherty.”
Omobamidele faces waiting game at Forest
After not getting on the pitch for Ireland against England, this was a good night for Omobamidele to get some game time under his belt.
The centre-back hasn’t featured for Forest in the Premier League this season but he did get an outing in the Carabao Cup against Newcastle.
Against Wolves last time out, Omobamidele wasn’t even on the bench and that must represent a real concern for the player signed from Norwich.
With the next international break on the horizon in four games, Omobamidele now faces an anxious wait to see if he will get any minutes for Forest.
Morato signed from Benfica on transfer deadline day and that has naturally shunted him down the pecking order on Trentside.
At 22, Omobamidele does have time on his side and he will be working tirelessly to try and impress Espirito Santo in the coming weeks.
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